"Thanks to the action by the Regional Council, and aggressive action and coordination in other parts of the state, transportation projects are moving forward. Our state will retain every federal dollar available to the region and we're well positioned to compete for any additional federal funds that might become available," Morrison told the region's Transportation Policy Board.
In February the state identified a $167 million dollar gap between federal funds available and funds that were ready to be spent on transportation projects statewide. Morrison reported today that the gap had closed to $16 million and that it appeared likely the gap would close completely within the next few weeks.
One big factor in closing the gap was Regional Council action in February to reallocate $109.5 million to eight ready-to-go projects that could begin delivering congestion relief as early as this fall. The Regional Council's action was prompted by federal requirements that the region use federal funds this federal fiscal year, or risk losing unspent dollars to other states where projects are moving forward.
"There's an urgent need to tackle mobility problems in our region now, not later. This action is an important part of the overall solution," said Transportation Policy Board Chair, Seattle City Councilmember Richard McIver. "Our action demonstrates that we are moving aggressively to assure that we'll use available funds to solve transportation problems in our region and make the most of every dollar."
The $109.5 million in projects funded by the Regional Council are:
Sounder, $60 million - These funds replaced state funds lost with passage of I-695 previously earmarked for track improvements and other work required to safely and efficiently coordinate the movement of freight and passenger trains between Tacoma and Everett. The funding will help Sound Transit deliver new commuter rail service between Tacoma and Seattle this fall.
FAST Corridor, $35.9 million - Three priority highway overpass projects are funded in the (Freight Action STrategy) corridor between Tacoma and Everett to relieve bottlenecks where railroad tracks meet busy roads. The Regional Council funding earmarks $12 million for an overpass at Port of Tacoma Road inTacoma, $10 million for an overpass at "C" Street in Auburn, $13.9 m for an overpass on State Route 519 (Royal Brougham Way) in Seattle.
Congestion Relief Studies, $5.5 million - Two priority studies to develop solutions to the state's most notorious traffic problems associated with State Route 520 and Interstate 405 can be completed on a fast track.
Intermodal Stations, $8.15 million - An important transit and rail hub in Everett and another critical ferry and transit hub in Bremerton are funded. The Regional Council provides $5.4 million for the Everett Multimodal Station and $2.75 million for the Bremerton Transportation Center.
The Regional Council develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It receives about $100 million in federal transportation funds each year and coordinates, sets priorities, and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.